How the Thunder Dominated The Rockets In Westbrook’s Return: NBA Highlights

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Russell Westbrook returned for the first time to Oklahoma City, scored 34 points, but it was the Oklahoma City Thunder that ended the game early by taking James Harden out of the game and lighting it up from all over the floor. Find out how OKC has shocked the NBA with the best 3 Man Lineup in the NBA.
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MUSIC: Fighting For Freedom by Anno Domini
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BBallBreakdown is devoted to deep-dive analysis of NBA basketball gameplay. If you're a coach or a player, check out the MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP - filled with an ever growing library of on court demos designed to help you improve your play and your coaching! Giving fans a taste of a pro coach's film session, host Coach Nick breaks down fundamentals, play calling, offense, defense, shooting form, officiating, and everything else basketball. In addition, see exclusive interviews with NBA players and coaches, from active super stars to retired legends.

[@Fresh0710]

I love how CP3 has been very professional about his situation, buying his teammates suits and setting a great example for the younger players👍🏾💯

[@bballbreakdown]

I wonder if he’s changed as a teammate

[@dmytroskrypka]

@@bballbreakdown he is at the age he can finally be himself and everyone should just listen to the vet

[@bryaneddy2647]

a big difference compared to the KLove situation

[@devvv4616]

@@dmytroskrypka lol, was he acting like a vet even when he was among the younger guys? that's probably why some teammates hated his guts loll

[@14chicharitoManU]

Bryan Eddy I mean who knows. When you’re winning, everyone’s happy. Either way cp3 has no drama in okc

[@conquered.kozmos1395]

That was the nicest coach has ever been to Russ

[@11dubs30]

Damn.....usually coach goes for it on him.

[@stefanpapdi5151]

cuz russ was doing smarter things and he appreciated it, like the postups he made work

[@ThatsNotChi]

He throws compliments all the time. Yall Westbrook fans only pay attention to the criticism lol

[@conquered.kozmos1395]

OrokoGaming I said this was nicest. Not that he'd never been nice.

[@ThatsNotChi]

@@conquered.kozmos1395 my bad ive just seen too many people saying coach is a Westbrook hater

[@jsfbr]

I'd love to see Adams, the Gentle Giant winning a title.

[@kevinanthony5296]

@Loc T Everyone can use him. He fits into any system. I think a team like the Celtics could really use him tho. Better replacement for Theis and they need a strong big man

[@midorimashintaro2613]

Kevin Anthony yup better for the celtics because celtics cant do shit about bigs clippers on the other hand also need bigs because harkless and zubac are shits

[@justintheballer3733]

Kevin Anthony fax he's a good passer too

[@pianistval6263]

He should Replace Capela

[@Ot-ej5gi]

@Loc T Screw them, they need more?! Doc Sucks, can't win consistently with THAT team

[@xdirectorbmghxstg3798]

8:05 he said “Shea gorgeous Alexander”😭😭 Edit: Rip Kobe😒

[@nocap9382]

Coach nick with some sus commentary right there

[@aminabedi6520]

Coach nick with the kappaPride

[@onsumshii4162]

I thought i heard that wrong 😂😭😭

[@xdirectorbmghxstg3798]

💀💀

[@wazzup233]

So his nickname will be Mr. Gorgeous 😉

[@bhb7406]

Thumbnail making CP3 look 7' 3'' lmao

[@thewiseguy6750]

CP3 showing again and again what an unbelievable player he is, even at 35. His IQ is through the roof, no way Rockets are better off with Russ than with him.

[@iwiwwh2002]

Rockets system ruined paul

[@jxc9634]

@@iwiwwh2002 nah he didnt fit next to harden everytime harden wasnt on the floor he played his best basketball

[@Hatedlikedavid]

The Wise Guy he’s a plant based vegan so 35 isn’t really to nba old if that makes sense

[@kckc7140]

Russ is avg 24/7/7 for the season, cp3 is avg 16.6ppg, cp3 scored 18 points last night, Russ scored 34 points, the standard for cp3 and Russ are completely different, imagine if Russ was avg 16ppg LMAO, media would call him washed up, but since it's cp3 they act like 16 points is a big deal, he's the third leading scorer on his team, pump the brakes with the Russ comparisons, all cp3 do better than Russ is shoot 3's and that's it

[@ChrisTookFlight]

The Wise Guy rockets are better their pace went from like last place to 1st place with Russ. Cp3 just didn’t fit he slowed them down even more and harden iso plays didn’t help

[@noway8743]

Never thought CP3 still had it in him Can you analyze Ben Simmons playing 5 instead of his usual PG position?

[@montyburns4977]

Sai Kasthuri or even the 4

[@TheIcemanthomas]

how did u think that, smh

[@tonyvu9477]

He never lost it. It's the possible injuries in spring you worry about with him going forward.

[@ShermanSitter]

Isn't he only 34?

[@jamescavanaugh9770]

4:37 CP3, black belt, master of the "hyper quick chop"

[@benjaminbaumgardner7620]

James Cavanaugh I didn’t even see it until the slo mo.

[@darylarnoco4470]

Gallo always dangerous when not injured

[@ILoveKimChaeWon]

Did coach said Shai Gorgeous Alexander lol

[@Ot-ej5gi]

@A Cat as a player or a man?:)

[@funkyplaysgames]

This is by far a great analysis on this bomb of a team. They’re doing well and I’m so hyped up for this team but definitely they do it for us fans. #ThunderUp

[@ztherex5991]

Harden has incredible numbers, that's a fact. But for me, that isn't basketball. When he pick up the ball he just wanna do individual plays. When he does something crazy, it's cool, but in the most part of the game it is boring. ( Sorry for the bad english, I'm from Brazil).

[@Hatedlikedavid]

zTheRex facts

[@losttime1723]

I love the way coach nick says "in the N B A"

[@denzellrocha5313]

Very great to hear that, everybody was putting them as tankers a few months ago. I myself am an OKC fan... and this is what I like to hear

[@devvv4616]

wow, they're gonna be the dark horse in the playoffs

[@Janinho897]

You have no idea how much i love to see Harden struggle with all of his shenanigans .

[@comoney980]

I hope CP3 can win his first ring before his career is over been one of my favorite players since he entered the league

[@Eliath1984]

I honestly never liked him(but I definitely respected his game) but the way he adjusted to the circumstances of comin to OKC when everyone was ruling the Thunder out and not throwing a fit got me sayin "Ok... I can admit when I was wrong about a person" plus I feel like the most important thing of all this is him and Shroder are teaching SGA tons of stuff

[@dominiquedeveaux4151]

Coach I'm 30 years old from the Bahamas and since I subscribed to your channel and started watching your videos my game as gone to the next level making me almost unguardable.. Thanks a million keep up the good work

[@pedrochinchayan2671]

8:04 "Shai Gorgeous-Alexander"

[@ulxng]

it's because his style of play is beautiful

[@fabolousninenine30]

You gotta love CP3. He‘s unbelievable at the age of 35. I‘m absolutely rooting for the Thunder to win the title this year.

[@MrRamonnoodles]

Same here even tho it’s a one in A million chance

[@bobbob6851]

When I was watching the game and I saw Westbrook posting up over and over again my first thought was wow I bet coach nick would be proud

[@ASURAN24]

Utah Jazz writers have been saying the best 5-man lineups belong to the Jazz's. But, as you can see, @7:24, it really belongs to the Thunder, by a wide margin as well.

[@KainZC]

they are really cool that not giving up any hope and keep working on it and turns out to be such a team to watch, i salute to they spirit for that

[@dahemper]

Hey coach Nick! Sportsfan here. Love your videos, thumbs up!

[@Ometecuhtli]

Okc is a joy to watch this season. They may not get very far in the playoffs if Paul's injuries/tiredness get in the way, but they're playing solid, good basketball.

[@thoesdielen4703]

They look really in control and like they know what to do

[@twistflinch2807]

I really love how they defend Harden, putting someone who has the great agility and speed can shutdown this guy. Even if WB step up, the other didn't. Kudos to Schroeder and Ferguson for amazing defense. IDK if Rockets should trade these guys but putting inconsistent player like Tucker, Gordon, Green etc. on their line up? nah

[@Kodreanu23]

I think Thunder is biggest surprise this year. Miami comes second. Sure, some guys improved on Thunder squad, but this is amazing for such a competitive conference.

[@MrRamonnoodles]

Right on! I’ve enjoyed watching the thunder this season compared to previous years

[@TheGetRight]

i was at the game and wow that nutmeg was crazyyyy

[@daeee5163]

6:37 harden: dude just stole my move

[@CurseMonstr]

Love Schroeder I've been trying to trade for him in the online 2k gm league I'm in.

[@Hatedlikedavid]

Young Nomad dope wish I can join an online league

[@CDio-vr3bx]

Young Nomad the hawks were stupid in letting him go. The could’ve kept him alongside trae young and John Collins

[@w1984t]

Shai "Gorgeous" Alexander....lol

[@jebinm4706]

coach sus

[@cynkauvanyau2059]

I think Farbod did it first last season 🤣🤣🤣

[@ulxng]

it's because of his beautiful play style

[@jaden-cc5vp]

Yes

[@SRTx.i]

Russ in the post is going to be more common as he ages. Such a beast.

[@wazzup233]

Don't forget Russ that CP3 started his career at OKC 15 years ago so it's also his homecoming there as well.

[@gunny-lneck4352]

No it isnt what are you talkin abt okc hasnt been a franchise for 15 years yet

[@JeanPaul-ie4ug]

@@gunny-lneck4352 When Hurricane Katrina hit, The hornets moved to Oklahoma for a bit

[@gamingballer773]

I love how I liked when it was at 999 and turned into 1K

[@ryujin407]

Today's deathtoll is at 999 we would all love it if you could make it 1k.

[@SouISlayer9000]

LMAOOOO Everytime the rockets lose coach makes a video it's not even funny at this point

[@buzzerbeater3350]

@A Cat Absolutely!

[@joanmartinsrz6362]

Coach on a mission

[@kennyhuffman4484]

All Fax no printer😤

[@JC-li8kk]

B/c it’s rare to see Harden have such a terrible game and he’s the best scorer in the league. So gotta show what teams did to shut down historical greatness.

[@Doatello1991]

@J C Ikr? These dudes get so salty about it. It’s a compliment.

[@waffleking966]

Our strengths are the 3 headed guard lineup, CP3 clutch, SGAs handles, gallos 3s and the multiple big men. I hope gallo doesn't get traded 😐

[@Brackus2]

I remember when the Thunder were rolling a while back, before Turd Ferguson got injured. They had a bunch of the top 3 and the top 4 lineup. It was mostly their 4 main starters Russ, PG13, Turd, and Adams, and I was excited for what might become of that team. When they lost ferguson (their starting sg, and defensive stopper) and ran into Utah in the playoffs with a Red Hot Mitchell at sg, I hoped for the next year. When they sputtered again the next season, I knew they werent the same team pre injury, but I wanted to blame the coach. Now that Russ and PG are gone, I have to admit, the problem wasnt the coach...

[@timkruse9912]

this thunder team is soo much more fluid and efficient than last seasons

[@suinegdiagne]

That background sound legendary

[@cckcm1221]

I'm actually fully convinced you only talk about when Rockets loose, You didn't cover nothing when Rockets beat Clippers lol

[@bballbreakdown]

I was really busy then and the Lakers bucks was same day I think

[@swagchomp]

BBALLBREAKDOWN wack excuse

[@JC-li8kk]

B/c we already know how the Rockets win. We’re trying to see how they lose. It’s not every decade you get to see a player put up 38 points per game. Finding a way to stop him is just as historical as watching him dominate.

[@chasam1]

@@swagchomp He hates the Rockets

[@JAM_2024]

Does it matter? They'll choke in the playoffs like always

[@ztherex5991]

You are the GOAT man

[@bballbreakdown]

🏀🏀 🙏🙏

[@boramaapps]

I literally watched two ads before this video, youtube ads saturation is crazy.

[@comicsans1689]

Just use an ad blocker like any sane person.

[@YunisRajab]

Dennis Schröder just became one of my favourite players from those two defense clips.

[@RetroShark360]

I am glad this trade happened. I always said cp3 was the biggest issue against the warriors if he could lead instead of harden. And this shows it

[@thej1091]

It is unacceptable how the video being viewed in 1080p has 360p resilution. It's so pixalated. Common Coach!

[@FunGuy02626]

Shai and Gallo are great players as well. Gallo just getting injuries in his entire career. If he doesn't get injuries, he could be a star in my opinion. Shai was great also last season. So I'm not that surprised if the Thunder performs well this season.

[@ejswbradshaw1]

Nice video, Harden shreds the nuggets (my favorite team) by getting so many free throws with his flopping, running into a players, throwing the ball in the air, etc. Impressive OKC and Schroder.

[@rafaelzamot42]

Its amazing to think CP3 with his winning mentality has not won a title yet. Mantaining himself as one of the top 5 or top 10 point guards id say in the league not having to rely on his atlethicism and rather on his brains 🧠. Hopefully one day he'll get that chip, even if hes on a stacked team.

[@EJABBALL]

Thunder are looking so promising for the future😁

[@retroyt6540]

I like that Little beat drop you did there

[@tribj001]

I think OKC should keep CP3 and trade some of their first round picks and pieces and trade for a star player to put with SGA and CP3. They are good enough to go into win now mode in my opinion.

[@MrRamonnoodles]

Fr Fr imagine if they had another superstar like KD or something

[@tsugikuni.michikatsu]

this is why I still have my faith on my thunder.

[@diggidong470]

Go Dennis go! 🦁

[@robbnoble1509]

Finally a player who figured harden out. Hope more people catch on. He only has a handful of moves. It also puts harden in an awkward spot because he shoots so many times per game. Either throw up brick after brick vs tight defense, or stop shooting and have the narrative be that Harden was scared of the defense. I was happy with Steve Kerr's strategy to stop him, but I think defeatimg him with good old fashioned man to man defense is even sweeter.

[@ll0191]

Hope you can read this. Please make another one for okc's great comeback vs rockets!

[@MarkHiew]

In summary, CP3>Russ, OKC wins big time on trade with Rockets. Spectacular analysis coach!

[@IanAlbs]

okc is legit west contender

[@Ecaba3]

Coach love the videos. When are you gonna do one on Miami? They are 2nd in the East and 3rd overall as of now with only one star.

[@34cvc]

Coach i love your take on westbrook! He should indeed post up more, defenses are worried about a harden drive but that post up could be just as effective. Plus it keeps him from shooting more 3s which is also good

[@kurobushi7746]

0:31 10/10 play lmfao

[@movementman9777]

I just like the shiny Thunder City Jerseys.

[@TheOne-tl6nj]

Same . I bought a OKC shirt same color dark grey with yellow outline OKC all caps in South Korea almost ten years ago! Idk know where that color scheme came from but I'm so glad they use it now. It was such a badass shirt to find out of all nba shirts out of all places in the world

[@johngriller4997]

8:05 Shae Gorgeous Alexander 😂

[@chasam1]

Coach should do a video of Harden's 40 pts triple-double the other night. I'm sure we all gonna enjoy it

[@ellisondenoso5654]

Who knew Dennis Schroeder would ever be considered a glue guy? Props to him

[@dashingdreww1185]

If thunder can last longer in the playoffs than rockets than that just adds to CP3 resume as one of the best point guards of all time

[@Hatedlikedavid]

Dashing Dreww calling it right now Thunder vs Rockets play offs Thunder win

[@ChrisTookFlight]

Sauce King lmao harden and the rest of team except Russ had a bad night and Eric Gordon wasn’t even playing if u think thats gonna happen in a 7 game series u should stop watching basketball rockets are clearly the better team

[@Kirbystare1992]

Sauce King I’ll take that bet how much? Lol

[@carltrabado8715]

Harden becomes average when he doesn't get the calls from the ref.

[@DeaDAss-gi6vp]

thats a lie bitch

[@nofuture_at_all]

Schroder is underrated defender. CP3 says Schroder always tells him that he wants to guard the opponent's best perimeter player like Harden and Doncic.

[@crlpop]

You rock coach. Thanks for these... :)

[@bballbreakdown]

🏀🏀🏀 🙏🙏🙏

[@LoreBone]

2:42 it's the reason I HATE Harden

[@lexingtonconcord8751]

This was a great breakdown! Subbed!

[@bballbreakdown]

Thanks! Welcome to the conversation

[@marvininer]

This is like saying Westbrook was not missed in OKC.

[@GANGLYMAN117]

btw great video as always. I watched this game last night, I wish it was more competitive then it was, regardless I enjoyed seeing Russ return to okc. You make some solid points about this team. They are way better then people thought they would be and it just goes to show what a great leader and floor general cp3 can be. So are you thinking they might not be looking for trades for cp3, Adams, or both? Or do you think will that always be a possibility despite what their performance is like?

[@kurobushi7746]

Oh that man behind that awesome voice

[@spxmma]

SGA for MIP

[@Hatedlikedavid]

Spamma x him or Bam for sure

[@spxmma]

A Cat yah Most Improved Player, he’s improved a lot since his first year

[@deezportz]

I love your videos.. Coach..

[@hdihiiehei]

Salute for adams! A good person and a player

[@UNDISPUTED96]

If Thunder make it out first round this looks Really Really bad on Westbrook. Can you imagine bro? Wow

[@producedbyjayzziii]

Coach, can you please talk about Utah Jazz especially when Jordan Clarkson traded there and what are the adjustments made for him and the rest of the team? Thank you.

[@corgimeister7283]

Steven adams the aquaman underrated beast!

[@omarhassan8344]

Nick, you didn't talk about when the rockets destroyed the nuggets and sixers? i like your content coach, but there seems to be an agenda you have against westbrook/rockets. Not a good look.

[@potentfade5664]

He clearly does. He doesnt post the videos when they play great.

[@TheDeven1000]

I was at this game. It was great

[@driftslidecrashmoney]

I knew you would cream over Shai. His a Coachs Dream. Plays in his pace, skill set high, IQ getting higher. Future Champion

[@pinoyreformat]

CP3 can elevated almost any team that the joins.

[@chrissennfelder7249]

Schröder is one of the best 6th men this season. He's become a well rounded player over the years.

[@tripzero0]

The best 3-man lineups (>200 mins) are almost all Jazz lineups. Coach had to use a 5-man lineup with only 100 mins to get this stat favorable for OKC.

[@samballtalk]

LET'S GOOOOO WE GOT THE OKC BREAKDOWN

[@antoni5619]

Great Video as always you got my support :)

[@bballbreakdown]

🏀🏀🏀 🙏👌🙏

[@teo6113]

And no one talks about gallinari who is having a great season too...

[@KDSRirelandboy1]

That moment when Westbrook is looking like the reason Thunder couldn’t make a playoff run without KD Suddenly CP3 looks like he is in a great situation again too, great Big Man in Adams to run solid and consistent Pick and Roll, great hungry young players wanting to prove themselves. It looks like a good locker room presence too since CP3 is showing the young lads some love.

[@kristopherrice1465]

People are forgetting just how good Chris paul was back in the day... it’s a shame injuries always seemed to derail his postseasons. If he didn’t pull his hammy, they may have closed it out on the kd warriors, I wish we would have gotten to see cp3 and lebron play together, Ik people think that their play styles don’t mesh, but that would have been nuts😂

[@murraychannell4612]

how do u make your layups soft off the glass? can someone give me a technical explanation. or can you give me an example of a player whose layups are hard off the glass?

[@bballbreakdown]

A lot of it is the increíble focus with the eyes on the target, something pros do better than anyone and there’s also a component of wrist flick as the ball is being released. Watch the SGA layup I showed first in slow motion and you can see

[@eddiealford5514]

8:05 pause

[@kurobushi7746]

6:01 I'm dead man said absorb the energy

[@plantlover69]

okc hella underrated

[@arhanefealbay3222]

Nice vid

[@therealcool1144]

Clippers should have kept Alexander

[@Cloudstrike_]

How poetic that the CP3 Thunder is a problem for the Russ Harden Rockets

[@jeffreyxu6430]

I cant be the first to say cp3 is better than russ. Well he is

[@potentfade5664]

Hes a better pure point guard. Not a better player though. Same can be said comparing CP3 to Kemba, Kyrie, and Dame.